ANDREA SACCHI | An Allegory of Rome

The following condition report is provided by Henry Gentle who is an external specialist and not an employee of Sotheby's: Andrea Sacchi Allegory of Rome Oil on canvas, in a period gilt wood frame with some losses. The original canvas is lined. The lining is recent, is stable and secure and provides good tension. Under u-v light a 20cm restored diagonal fracture is visible through the female figure's neck and there has been strengthening to her eyes , there is also a repaired jagged fracture to the river god's left shoulder. Further minor scattered loss can be detected across the surface, particularly along the bottom edge, across the lower section of red robe and down through the upturned urn. The restoration is not excessive but has discoloured. The paint layer, overall, is in a very good preserved state. The paint texture is in good original state and the bravura brushstrokes retain their vigour. Some of the more vulnerable glazing to the darker passages has been slightly compromised but subtle nuances remain and the colours retain their vibrancy. Removal of the dull discoloured varnish will improve the overall tonality.
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